U.S. patent application number 13/629110 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for child seat safety system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Marcus A. Trummer. Invention is credited to Marcus A. Trummer.
Application Number | 20130021476 13/629110 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47555518 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130021476 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trummer; Marcus A. |
January 24, 2013 |
CHILD SEAT SAFETY SYSTEM
Abstract
A Child Seat Safety System for providing monitoring of an
interior area of a vehicle is described herein. The monitoring
system includes a plurality of sensor modules that are adapted to
be mounted within the vehicle for monitoring a plurality of vehicle
operating parameters, and a monitoring device that is coupled in
communication with the plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring
device transmits signals indicative of the associated sensed
operating parameter to a user communication device, and receives,
from the user communication device, signals indicative of a user
selection input associated with one or more sensor modules of the
plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring device also selectively
activates one or more sensor modules of the plurality of sensor
modules based on the received user selection to operate the
monitoring system to facilitate monitoring the vehicle
interior.
Inventors: |
Trummer; Marcus A.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Trummer; Marcus A. |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47555518 |
Appl. No.: |
13/629110 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13486207 |
Jun 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
13629110 |
|
|
|
|
12561509 |
Sep 17, 2009 |
8217796 |
|
|
13486207 |
|
|
|
|
61104673 |
Oct 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/148 ;
340/438; 348/E7.085 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2300/8013 20130101;
B60R 1/00 20130101; B60R 22/48 20130101; B60R 2022/4816
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/148 ;
340/438; 348/E07.085 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18; B60Q 1/00 20060101 B60Q001/00 |
Claims
1. A monitoring system of monitoring a plurality of vehicle zones
of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of sensor modules adapted to
be mounted within the vehicle for monitoring a plurality of vehicle
operating parameters; and a monitoring device coupled in
communication with the plurality of sensor modules for receiving
signals indicative of the sensed operating parameters, the device
for transmitting one or more monitoring signals indicative of the
associated sensed operating parameters to a user communication
device, receiving, from the user communication device, signals
indicative of a user selection input associated with one or more
sensor modules of the plurality of sensor modules, and selectively
activating one or more sensor modules of the plurality of sensor
modules based on the received user selection to operate the
monitoring system to facilitate monitoring at least one vehicle
zone of the plurality of vehicle zones.
2. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the monitoring
system includes at least one sensor module associated with each
vehicle monitoring zone of the plurality of vehicle monitoring
zones, the monitoring device for receiving a signal indicative of a
user selection to monitor at least one vehicle monitoring zone of
the plurality of vehicle monitoring zones, and activating the
sensor modules associated with the selected vehicle monitoring
zone.
3. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the monitoring
device further includes a lighting device, the monitoring device
for selectively operating the lighting device to illuminate at
least a portion of the vehicle zone based on a user selection input
received from the user communication device.
4. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the monitoring
system further includes an audio/video recording device for
recording audio/video images associated with the vehicle zone, the
monitoring device for transmitting signals indicative of the
recorded audio/video images to the user communication device to
display the audio/video images on the user communication
device.
5. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the monitoring
system further includes a display unit for displaying audio/video
images to a child seated in the vehicle zone.
6. A system in accordance with claim 5, wherein the monitoring
device enables two-way communication between the monitoring system
and the user communication device.
7. A system in accordance with claim 5, wherein the monitoring
device selectively displays one or more audio/video images on the
display unit based on a user selection input received from the user
communication device.
8. A system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the user
communications device includes an audio/video recording module for
recording and transmitting audio/video images, the monitoring
system receives signals associated with the audio/video images
recorded by the user communications device and displays the
recorded images on the monitoring system display unit.
9. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the monitoring
system transmits a notification signal indicative of an alarm
situation to the user communication device based on one or more
sensed operating parameter.
10. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the user
communications device includes a mobile communications device.
11. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the user
communications device includes an in-dash display device.
12. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the monitoring
system comprises: a housing that is adapted to be mounted to a
vehicle seat; and a computing device removably coupled to the
housing, the computing device including: an audio/video recording
device for recording audio/video images associated with the vehicle
zone and transmitting the recorded images to the user
communications device; and a display unit for displaying one or
more audio/video images based on a user selection input received
from the user communication device.
13. A system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the housing
includes a plurality of sensor ports that are each configured to
receive a corresponding sensor module, the monitoring device for
activating a sensor module when the sensor module is removed from
the housing.
14. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of
vehicle operating parameters includes one of a connection of a seat
restraint system, a vehicle interior temperature, a engine
operating status, and a vehicle safety status.
15. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the monitoring
system presents, on the user communications device, a graphic
interface that includes: a notification area including a plurality
of operational status notifications indicative of the sensed
vehicle operating parameters; a user selection area that displays a
plurality of user selection inputs to enable the user to
selectively activate one or more of the plurality of sensor
modules; and a video display area for displaying video images
received from the audio/video recording device.
16. One or more computer-readable storage media having computer
executable instructions thereon, wherein when executed by at least
one processor, the computer-executable instructions cause the at
least one processor to: receive, from a plurality of sensor modules
mounted within a vehicle, a plurality of signals indicative of a
plurality of vehicle operating parameters for monitoring at least
one vehicle zone of a plurality of vehicle zones within the
vehicle; selectively activate one or more sensor modules of the
plurality of sensor modules in response to a user selection;
determine a status of the at least one vehicle zone based on the
sensed operating parameters received from the activated sensor
modules; and graphically present a notification indicative of the
determined status of the vehicle zone on a user communication
device to facilitate monitoring the vehicle zone.
17. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to: receive a user selection to monitor at least one vehicle zone
of a plurality of vehicle zones; and selectively activate the
sensor modules associated with the selected vehicle zone.
18. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to selectively operate a lighting device to illuminate at least a
portion of the vehicle zone based on a user selection.
19. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to: operate an audio/video recording device to record audio/video
images associated with the vehicle zone based on a user selection;
and display the recorded audio/video images on the user
communication device.
20. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to: receive a signal indicative of a user selection to display a
user selected audio/video image on a monitoring system including a
display unit; and display the selected audio/video image display on
the monitoring system display unit based on the user selection such
that the selected audio/video image is viewable by a child
positioned within the vehicle zone.
21. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 20, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to initiate two-way communication between the user communication
device and the monitoring system display unit based on a user
selection.
22. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 20, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to: operate an audio/video module associated with the user
communications device to record audio/video images and transmit the
recorded audio/video images to the monitoring system based on a
user selection; and display the recorded audio/video images
received from the user communications device on the monitoring
system display unit.
23. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to transmit a notification signal indicative of an alarm situation
to the user communication device based on one or more sensed
operating parameters.
24. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to transmit a notification signal indicative of an alarm situation
to an emergency response system based on one or more sensed
operating parameters.
25. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to: determine if a sensing module has been removed from a housing
of a monitoring system; and activate the sensor module to transmit
signals indicative of an operating parameters if the sensor module
is removed from the monitoring system housing.
26. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to determine a status of the vehicle zone based on at least one of
a connection of a seat restraint system, a vehicle interior
temperature, a engine operating status, and a vehicle safety
status.
27. The one or more computer-readable storage media according to
claim 16, wherein when executed by at least one processor, the
computer-executable instructions cause the at least one processor
to graphically display, on the user communications device, a
graphic interface that includes: a notification area including a
plurality of operational status notifications indicative of the
sensed operating parameters on the user communications device; a
user selection area that displays a plurality of user selection
inputs to enable the user to selectively activate one or more of
the plurality of sensor modules; and a video display area for
displaying video images received from the audio/video recording
device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/486,207, filed on Jun. 1, 2012, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/561,509, filed
on Sep. 17, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,217,796, which issued on Jul.
10, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/104,673, filed Oct. 10, 2008, the entire
disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Motor Vehicle Passenger Safety Devices.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] The safety for babies and small children (children) within
vehicles has been the center of various debates for auto
manufactures, consumer and government safety groups, along with
respective parents or guardians. At the heart of these debates is
the prime directive of providing the safest possible environment
for children while being transported or inside motor vehicles.
[0004] The US Department of Transportations issued new regulations
for such on Sep. 18, 2006, which require children under three years
of age to use a child restraint and that drivers are legally
responsible for making sure that children under 14 years use seat
belts. Supplementing federal standards, all states have codified
variations for safety belt enforcement (primary/secondary), fines
for such, child restraint requirements, fines for such, ages for
such, exempted vehicles and other.
[0005] It should be noted that to meet these requirements, many
child seat products have been developed and that child seat
technology has drastically improved over the last few decades. One
significant innovation and government requiring the use of the
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system. Assisting in
a different way, another important program, WHALE, "We have a
little emergency--Child Safety Seat Occupant Identification
Program"' assists drivers with child care after an accident has
occurred.
[0006] However, with such and a host of other advances, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently
launched (Mar. 2, 2009) a Statement of Review of Federal Standards
for Child Safety Seats and has stated, "though current standards
are exceedingly thorough, the agency is always looking at ways to
make highway travel even safer for children."
[0007] The number one reason according to NHTSA is that "every
year, thousands of young children are killed or injured in crashes,
mainly because 3 out of every 4 children in child safety seats are
not properly secured, or even worse, not restrained at all."
[0008] Aside from direct child seat safety technology and related
advances, hindering the attention to children in vehicles is the
other societal advances in technology within and not part of the
vehicle with regards to navigation (GPS), communication (hands
free, cell phones, PDA's, smartphones, tablets), entertainment
(TV's, I-pods, Games, radio, internet, tablets), and other factors
such as marketing along our nations highways and roads and general
population increases which impede the focus of respective drivers.
Accordingly, the monitoring of Children within a vehicle has gone
from a prime parental concern to a part of larger social order
harboring so many distractions which has lead to either serious
injury and deaths of children through driver mistake and
negligence. Quoting the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Never
leave your child alone in or around cars. Any of the following can
happen when a child is left alone in or around a vehicle:
Temperatures can reach deadly levels' in minutes, and the child can
die of heat stroke. They can be strangled by power windows,
sunroofs, or accessories. They can knock the vehicle into gear,
setting it into motion or be backed over when the vehicle backs
up."
[0009] Pursuant to such, there is a clear need for the present
invention, i.e., the Child Seat Safety System (CSSS system), which
continues the societal development of ways to improve the safety of
our children. Currently, there is no real time monitoring system
for the connectivity and environment monitoring surrounding
children in child seats. Continuing there is no automated
notification to the driver or the vehicle owner of issues with
connectively or rises in temperature. Lastly, in the case when the
driver is not available (left child in car) or is incapacitated
from a an accident, existing technologies do not initiate an alarm
sequence to notify either near-by third parties, identification of
a child in car for emergency personnel, or notification to the
driver and others indicating a dangerous situation. We believe the
CSSS addresses such issues and should be considered for use on all
vehicles equipped to install child seats.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a vehicle monitoring
system that enables a parent to view and determine the comfort and
status of a child while maintaining a primary focus on driving and
a system that does not require the parent to stop the car and move
to the vehicle backseat to check on the status of the child.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The Child Seat Safety System provides drivers and other
vehicle occupants with an alarm and monitoring system for the
attachment of safety harnesses for respective child seat occupants
within the car and for detailing changes in temperatures in the
child seat immediate environment to enable the driver to monitor
the vehicle occupants without being distracted from driving. The
monitoring components are programmable for various alarm features
and the device than provides on-going details relating to the
attached "status" of said harnesses and temperatures through
indicator lights on the main operator dashboard along with on the
system device. Other alarm features automatically warn the driver,
surrounding bystanders, or emergency personnel of alarm situations
which include significant temperature variances, harness
disengagement, accident or unattended occupant warnings.
[0012] In one embodiment, a monitoring system for providing
monitoring of an interior of a vehicle is provided. The monitoring
system includes a plurality of sensor modules that are adapted to
be mounted within the vehicle for monitoring a plurality of vehicle
operating parameters, and a monitoring device that is coupled in
communication with the plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring
device receives signals from the sensor modules that are indicative
of the sensed operating parameters and monitors the vehicle
interior based on the sensed operating parameters. The monitoring
device transmits one or more monitoring signals indicative of the
associated sensed operating parameter to a user communication
device, and receives, from the user communication device, signals
indicative of a user selection input associated with one or more
sensors of the plurality of sensor modules. The monitoring device
also selectively activates one or more sensor modules of the
plurality of sensor modules based on the received user selection to
operate the monitoring system to facilitate monitoring the vehicle
interior.
[0013] In another embodiment, one or more computer-readable storage
media having computer executable instructions thereon is provided.
The computer-executable instructions cause the at least one
processor to receive, a plurality of one sensor module mounted
within a vehicle, a plurality of signals indicative of a plurality
of vehicle operating parameters for monitoring one or more vehicle
interior zones, and selectively activate one or more sensor modules
of the plurality of sensor modules in response to a user selection.
The computer-executable instructions also cause the processor to
determine a status of the vehicle interior zone based on the sensed
vehicle operating parameters received from the activated sensor
modules, and graphically present a notification indicative of the
determined status of vehicle interior area on a user communication
device to facilitate monitoring the vehicle interior zone while
driving.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0014] The attached figures consist of the following, and make
reference to, the detailed description outlined below:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of the CSSS component parts which
are the CSSS Seat Module, the CSSS CPU Module or connection control
and monitoring system (center) and alarm indicators via the
Communication Outputs (out) to the vehicles dashboard, the child
seat, and remote communication devices.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the CSSS CPU Module and details
the various inputs received from the vehicle monitoring devices,
power sources and feedback from the CSSS Seat Module. Furthermore,
it details the areas controlling the local and remote alarm
systems.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the CSSS Seat Module. This
figure demonstrates how an existing child seat harness would be
inserted into the vehicle equipped component harness clip. This
figure further depicts some of the Seat Belt Module monitoring and
alarm components.
[0018] FIG. 4 depicts the methods of CSSS Output Alarms. CSSS CPU
Module System programming coordinates the notification of certain
alarms to the vehicles monitoring systems and external alarms along
with the CSSS Seat Module.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the CSSS system shown in FIG.
1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of the CSSS system shown
in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the CSSS system
shown in FIG. 1 mounted within a vehicle, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a top-section view of a vehicle including the CSSS
system shown in FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a graphical display of a monitoring interface that
may be used with the CSSS system shown in FIG. 1, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a graphical display of a configuration interface
that may be used with the CSSS system shown in FIG. 1, according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Complimenting the engineering technologies for seat belts,
child seats, and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
system (LATCH), the Child Safety Seat System (CSSS) assists drivers
in a different manner by providing real time monitoring of the
occupants status. The CSSS Module (1) would be housed near or
around the rear seats of a vehicle. The device is a self contained
monitoring and communication system designed to be connected to the
vehicles power source via a Power Source Input (8), engine
indicators such as an Ignition Sensor (7), safety/accident systems
including airbag inflation via a Safety System Input (9), and the
physical components for the vehicles Seat Module (2). The CSSS CPU
Module CPU System (19) also contains a communication system that is
linked to its own warning lights and alarms in the form of
Communication Outputs (6) along with the separate connections to
the vehicles in-car Dash Board Alarm Output (13), the vehicles
horn/alarm system output (14) (horn), and can be configured to
communicated with other external communication devices, as
programmed. Further explanation of operation through related
figures:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of the three primary CSSS
component parts. Specifically, the first component is the CSSS Seat
Module (2) which connects to a common vehicles seat belt system for
both the left and right rear seats of the vehicle. The Seat Module
(2) is attached to the existing child seat harnesses (3).
Continuing, the next component is the CSSS Module (1), or
connection control and monitoring system. The CSSS Module (1) is
built into the framework of the vehicles back seat and would be
positioned below the area accommodating child seats. The CSSS
Module (1) processes the continuous data streaming from the CSSS
Seat Module (2) through the Seat Belt Inputs (4), and various
information streams from the Vehicle Inputs (5). In processing
such, the CSSS Module (1) will assess such information against user
programming to determine whether an alarm signal should generated
and sent to specific Communication Outputs (6). These Communication
Outputs (6) are components that are integrated into the either the
vehicles dashboard or; as part of the CSSS Seat Module (2); or
connected to the vehicles horn/alarm system; or lastly can be
linked to other common communication devices such as PC's or cell
phones.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the CSSS Module (1). This view
details first on the left side the inputs received from both the
left and right rear (if two CSSS's systems are used) CSSS Seat
Modules (2). Specifically, the Seat Belt Inputs (4) include the
devices Seat Module Temperature Input (10) that provides real time
temperature readings for the area the Seat Module is located in,
the Seat Module Connectivity Input (11) which provides ongoing
signals detailing whether the seat belt for the Seat Module (2) is
engaged, and the Seat Module Set-up Input (12) which provides the
specific user parameters set up by the vehicle driver.
[0028] The top portion of the CSSS Module (1) details the Vehicle
Inputs (5) which include the Ignition Sensor Input (7) a on-going
connection from the vehicles ignition monitoring system (car
on/off) to understand the vehicles operational status, the Power
Source Input (8) a connection from the vehicles battery for general
power use, and a Safety Sensor Input (9) connecting to the vehicles
safety systems (airbag/accident notification) which would
communicate any emergency situation.
[0029] The indicators located below the CSSS Module (1) detail some
the internal components with the module. Specifically, the CSSS
Module CPU System (19) is the electrical component that receives
all the inputs indicated and processes the information to
determine, based on users settings, which alarm communications
should be made, if any. Two other components that have housing
doors are the Battery Housing (18) for running the CSSS system when
the vehicles hard coded power supply fails and also the Timer
Component (17) which feeds common time clock and time counts to the
CSSS Module CPU (19).
[0030] Lastly, on the right side of the CSSS Module (1) the
Communication Outputs (6) area includes four specific output leads
designated for the CSSS Module CPU (19) communication systems.
Specifically, the leads relate to the signal outputs for the
vehicles Dash Board Alarm Output (13) which provides real time
communications to the drivers heads up dash display, the Vehicle
Horn Alarm Output (14) which provides signals for the use of the
vehicles horn, the Device (and related) Alarm Output which provides
signals to an external communication system (cell phone,
smartphone), and Seat Module Alarm Output which sends signals
through a hard line back to the CSSS Seat Module (2) alarm
features.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the CSSS Seat Module (2)
component. This figure demonstrates how an existing child seat belt
(3) with a common Seat Belt Clamp (20) would be inserted into the
CSSS Seat Module (2) equipped with a Connection Clip (21). To
ensure the safety of an occupant the first assurance of such is the
continued use of vehicles safety belts while within the vehicle.
CSSS monitors the connectivity of such via a Connection Sensor (22)
located within the CSSS Seat Module (2) and notifies the driver
immediately when the safety belt is disengaged for any purpose.
Notification is immediately made at the CSSS Seat Module (2) via a
Seat Module Visual Alarm Component (31) and Seat Module Sound Alarm
Component (30) and the connection status changes from "system OK"
to "alarm" which also sends a single to the CSSS Module CPU System
for further alarm considerations. Separately, a child's safety can
be impacted with extreme shifts in vehicle temperature. The CSSS
Seat Module (2) provides the driver with a real time monitoring for
the temperature at the seat location via Seat Module Temperature
Screen (29). The driver can use the program keys, detailed as Seat
Module Set-up (27), Increase (26), and Decrease (28) buttons,
respectively, to set the desired temperature ranges that are
acceptable, or select from pre-set and approved
industry/geographical standards. A common LCD readout of such
selections will display on the Seat Module Temperature Screen (29).
The operational status of the CSSS Seat Module (2) is detailed via
the Power On/Off
[0032] Indicator (23) and the CSSS System Error Indicator Light
(24).
[0033] FIG. 4 depicts the methods of communicating CSSS alarms. The
CSSS Module CPU programming coordinates the notification of certain
alarms by initiating signals through the modules Communication
Outputs (6). When certain parameters are met, the following alarm
outputs would be initialed: Dash Board Alarm Output (13), Vehicle
Horn Alarm Output (14), Device Alarm Output (15), and the Seat
Module Alarm Output (16). The following types of driver/bystander
communications are available:
[0034] Communicating (Alarm) for seat temperature outside of
programmed parameters during vehicle operation (motor on and
moving). The vehicles owner will program the CSSS Module CPU to
acceptable levels of the interior temperature surrounding the
respective child seat via the CSSS Seat Module controls as
indicated in FIG. 3. When the temperature of the interior either
exceeds or falls below such parameters the alarm sequence is
initiated, as follows:
[0035] The primary indication of such will be through the Dash
Monitoring Panel (32) in which the indicator lights for the Seat
Module Temperature (OK) Indicator Light (35) along with the Seat
Module Temperature (NOT OK) Indicator Light (36) would indicate
through illumination the seat temperature on an on-going basis.
[0036] In addition, notification is also made at the CSSS Seat
Module (2) Alarm Components (30,31) in the form of flashing lights
or a Seat Module Visual Alarm (42) and through sound via the Seat
Module Sound Alarm (41) in which the temperature alarm would be
indicated.
[0037] Communicating (Alarm) for disengaged seat belts during
vehicle operation (motor on and moving). An alarm at the seat
notifies the vehicles occupants that the seat belt system has been
disengaged. This assists the drivers monitoring of the occupant but
also trains other occupants and the child seat occupant the
importance of the continued connectivity via visual and oral
alarms. The associated alarm sequence is as follows:
[0038] The primary indication of such will be through the Dash
Monitoring Panel (32) in which the indicator lights for the Seat
Module Secure Indicator Light (33), indicated for both left and
right seats, respectively, along with the Seat Module Not Secure
Indicator Light (34) would indicate through illumination the
connection status on an on-going basis.
[0039] In addition, notification is also made at the CSSS Seat
Module (2) Alarm Components (30, 31) in the form of flashing lights
or a Seat Module Visual Alarm (42) and through sound via the Seat
Module Sound Alarm (41).
[0040] Communicating (Alarm) for unattended occupants to
surrounding area of car and to specific driver device(s) when
vehicle is not in operation (off) or in operation (on but idle for
a certain period of time). CSSS monitors when the vehicle has
either stayed idle for a specific period of time or has been
turn-off for a specific period of time and the SCCC Seat Module
remains engaged. When a set time standard has been passed, CSSS
will trigger an alarm sequence, as follows:
[0041] Initially, CSSS will use the Vehicle Horn (37) to initiate
the Vehicle Sound Alarm (38) so that either the driver or other
third parties that the Child Seat has an occupant.
[0042] Initial notification is also made at the CSSS Seat Module
(2) Alarm Components (30, 31) in the form of flashing lights or a
Seat Module Visual Alarm (42) and through sound via the Seat Module
Sound Alarm (41).
[0043] Secondarily, CSSS, after a specific initial alarm period
will sends text, email and calls via a Device Alarm (40) to owner
configured third party communication Device (39) to ensure that the
of occupant is removed from the vehicle as soon as possible. Such
mobile device notification could also be configured to include a
911 call.
[0044] Communicating (Alarm) to direct the attention of emergency
personnel or other third parties that an unattended occupant is in
the car. If the vehicle is party to an accident and the driver
and/or other occupants and incapacitated or can not assist in the
removal of a child seats occupants, the following alarm sequence
will be triggered to assist emergency personnel in identifying that
such an occupant exits upon arrival to the accident location:
[0045] Initial notification is made at the CSSS Seat Module (2)
Alarm Components (30, 31) in the form of flashing lights or a Seat
Module Visual Alarm (42) and through sound via the Seat Module
Sound Alarm (41).
[0046] Secondarily, CSSS, after a specific initial alarm period
will sends text, email and calls via a Device Alarm (40) to owner
configured third party communication Device (39) to ensure that the
of occupant is removed from the vehicle as soon as possible. Such
mobile device notification could also be configured to include a
911 call.
[0047] Thus is can be seen, how the aforementioned claims address
the need for CSSS Module System by improving the safety of child
seats. As described, CSSS will provide for the real time monitoring
of the children within vehicle child seats in both the capacities
of the attached status of seat belts and the within the correct
temperature controlled environment. The key is the independent
monitoring allows a second layer to the primary defenses each
parent should provide to their respective children. The automated
function and notification allow for both internal and external
alarm communication not currently realized by any existing
products. This communication also has the ability to bridge vehicle
safety features to the information age via cell phones,
smartphones, tablets, and PDA's. The final advancement is the use
of such automated communication during the case when the driver is
either not available or incapacitated which provides a new
opportunity for securing a child in emergency situations.
Accordingly, we believe CSSS will be the next LATCH mechanism for
the auto industry which will continue the social advancement of
enhanced safety of travel through innovation. We will be applying
to local and NHTSA administrations and US Department of
Transportation for product assessment to acquire certification of
such organizations.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the CSSS system 50, according
to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view
of a portion of the CSSS system 50. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective
view of the CSSS system 50 mounted within a vehicle 52, according
to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top-section
view of the vehicle 52 including the CSSS system 50. In the
illustrated embodiment, the CSSS system 50 is configured to enable
a parent to monitor a child seat area 54 of a vehicle 52 during
both day and nighttime driving and to enable safe allowable
interaction with a child seated in the child seat area 54. The CSSS
system 50 monitors the well-being of the child with the use of a
camera, monitoring data, and/or video and audio interaction. The
CSSS system 50 enables the parent to determine if the child is
choking, needs water, or any general situation in which comfort or
care would be warranted by providing two-way communication with the
child. The CSSS system 50 also includes a lighting device to enable
the parent to monitor the child both during the day and at night.
In addition, the CSSS system camera allows for the recording of
certain events, whether, those are for "monitoring" of certain
health issues with the child or for general parent use. In
addition, the CSSS system 50 enables the parent to display or play
audio files or video to assist with the child's comfort or for
general use in keeping the child busy during driving, and allows
the parent to tailor the content continuously and monitor or change
the content displayed to the child in real time. By providing a
system that enables a parent to determine the comfort and status of
the child at night without stopping the car and going to the back
seat, the CSSS system 50 provides parents with advanced warnings of
any issues with the child and enable the parents to view such
status while maintaining their primary focus on driving.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the CSSS system 50 includes a
monitoring device, i.e., CSSS module 2 that includes a controller
56 including a processor 58 that is coupled in communication with a
database 60 and a memory device 62 for executing programmed
instructions. In some embodiments, executable instructions are
stored in the memory device 62. Alternatively, or in addition,
executable instructions may be retrieved from another device via a
computer network. In the exemplary embodiment, the controller 56 is
programmable to perform one or more operations described herein by
programming the processor 58. For example, the processor 58 may be
programmed by encoding an operation as one or more executable
instructions and providing the executable instructions in memory
device 62. The methods described herein may be encoded as
executable instructions embodied in a non-transitory computer
readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device
and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a
processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the
methods described herein. The above examples are exemplary only,
and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or
meaning of the term processor.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, memory device 62 is one or more
devices that enable information, such as executable instructions
and/or other data, to be selectively stored and retrieved. Memory
device 62 may be configured to store, without limitation,
executable instructions and/or any other type of data suitable for
use with the methods described herein.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 58 is coupled
in communication with one or more sensor modules 64 such as, for
example, the seat belt connection sensor 22, the temperature sensor
10, the ignition sensor 7, and the vehicle safety sensor 9, for
sensing a plurality of operating parameters of vehicle 52. Each
sensor module 64 is configured to sense one or more vehicle
operating parameters and transmit a signal corresponding to the
sensed vehicle operating parameter to the processor 58. The vehicle
operating parameters include, but are not limited to, a child seat
restraint system status, a vehicle interior temperature, a engine
operating status, a vehicle safety status, and/or any suitable
vehicle operating parameter that enable the CSSS system 50 to
function as described herein.
[0052] In the exemplary embodiment, the monitoring device 2
includes a presentation interface device 66 that is coupled to
processor 58. The presentation interface device 66 is configured to
output display information such as, but not limited to, a graphic
display 68 (shown in FIG. 9) including a plurality of graphical
images corresponding to the sensed operating parameters of vehicle
52. For example, presentation interface device 66 may include a
display adapter (not shown) that is coupled to a display unit 70,
such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a
light-emitting diode (LED) display, and/or an organic LED (OLED)
display. In some embodiments, presentation interface device 66
includes more than one display units 70. Presentation interface
device 66 may also include one or more audio speakers (not
shown).
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the presentation interface
device 66 also includes an input interface 72 that receives input
from user. Input interface 72 may be configured to receive a
selection or entry of configuration data (e.g., a sensor
configuration, a monitoring zone setting, and an alarm setting),
and/or any other information suitable for use with the methods and
systems described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, input
interface 72 is coupled to the processor 58 and may include, for
example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch
sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a touchless
panel, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, a toggle
switch, a selector dial, and/or an audio input interface. A single
component, such as a touch screen, may function as both a display
unit 70 of presentation interface device 66 and as input interface
72 to enable processor 58 to receive a user selection input via the
graphic display 68.
[0054] The monitoring device 2 also includes a communication module
74 that is coupled to the processor 58 for communication with one
or more remote devices such as, for example, a user communications
device, i.e., device 39, and/or an in-dash display device, i.e.,
dash monitoring panel 32 via a network 76. The communication module
74 may include, without limitation, a wired network adapter, a
wireless network adapter, and/or a mobile telecommunications
adapter. The communications module 74 remotely communicates data
signals to and from sensor modules 64, monitoring device 2, user
communications device 39, and/or in-dash display 32 with any wired
communication protocol, i.e., universal serial bus (USB) and/or
wireless communication protocol, i.e., Bluetooth.RTM. known to one
of ordinary skill in the art guided by the teachings herein. In one
embodiment, the user communications device 39 may also include a
mobile cellular phone, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, and/or any
suitable mobile computing device. Moreover, the in-dash display
device 32 may include an integrally mounted vehicle dashboard
device, a display device mounted on an exterior of a vehicle
dashboard, a floor mounted vehicle display, a ceiling mounted
vehicle display, and/or any displace device adapted to be mounted
within the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring
device 2, the user communications device 39, and the in-dash
display device 32 each include a processor 58, a memory device 62,
a database 60, a communication module 74, and/or a presentation
device 66.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring device 2 is
also coupled in communication with an emergency response system 78,
i.e., a 911 emergency response system. The communication module 74
is configured to transmit signals indicative of an alarm condition
to the emergency response system 78.
[0056] The network 76 may include, without limitation, the
Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a
wireless LAN (WLAN), a mesh network, a virtual private network
(VPN) using a wired network connection (e.g., Ethernet or an
optical fiber), a wireless communication means, such as radio
frequency, a cellular phone technology, a satellite communication
link, and/or any other suitable wired and/or wireless communication
means.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the presentation interface
device 66 also includes an audio/video recording device 80 for
recording audio and/or video images. In one embodiment, audio/video
recording device 80 includes a microphone 82 (shown in FIG. 6) for
recording audio and a video camera 84 (shown in FIG. 6) for
recording visual images. In one embodiment, the processor 58 is
configured to operate the audio/video recording device 80 to record
audio and/or video images and store the recorded audio/video images
for playback on display unit 70.
[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the database 60 includes an
entertainment program that includes a collection of audio/video
entertainment content for display on presentation interface device
66. In one embodiment, the collection of entertainment content
includes movies, recorded television shows, music, video games,
digital pictures, and/or any suitable audio/video content for
display via presentation interface. The processor 58 is configured
to enable a user to access and select entertainment content from
the entertainment program via the user input interface 72 for
display on the display unit 70.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the
monitoring device 2 includes a housing 86 that is adapted to be
mounted to a vehicle seat 88 (shown in FIG. 7), and a computing
device 90 that is removably coupled to the housing 86. In one
embodiment, the housing 86 is removably coupled to the vehicle seat
88 with a mounting bracket, a strap, and/or any suitable fastening
assembly. Alternatively, the housing 86 may be embedded in a
vehicle seat headrest, or securely fastened to the vehicle seat
88.
[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 86 includes an
outer surface 92 that defines a groove 94 that is sized to receive
the computing device 90 therein to secure the computing device 90
to the housing 86. In one embodiment, the housing 86 includes a
docking module 96 that is sized to be received within a
corresponding docking port 98 to enable the housing 86 to be
coupled in communication with the computing device 90. The
computing device 90 is configured to communicate with the housing
86, the user communications device 39, and/or the in-dash display
device 32 via the network 76, when the computing device 90 is
connected to the housing 86, and detached from the housing 86. The
housing 86 includes the power source input 8 for connecting the
housing to the vehicle battery for us in providing power to the
housing 86 an the computing device 90.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the computing device 90
includes a presentation interface device 66 including the display
unit 70, the user input interface 72, and the audio/video recording
device 80. The presentation interface device 66 is configured to
display entertainment content such as, for example, video images,
movies and/or TV shows selected by the parent to facilitate
entertaining the child while driving. The presentation interface
device 66 also enables the parent to record audio and/or video of
the child from the computing device 90 and display the images on
the user communications device 39 and/or the in-dash display device
32. Alternatively, the housing 86 may include the audio/video
recording device 80.
[0062] The CSSS system 50 is configured to enable the parent to
selectively activate the audio/video recording device 80 to record
the child, and display the recorded images on the in-dash display
device 32 and/or the user communications device 39 in real time. In
addition, the CSSS system 50 enables the parent to select
entertainment content from database 60 and display the selected
entertainment content to the child on the presentation interface
device 66. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the CSSS system
50 is configured to enable the parent to initiate two-way
communication with the child via the monitoring device 2 and the
user communications device 39 and/or the in-dash display device 32.
This allows for the direct line(s) of sight over the child within
the child seat area and provides for direct monitoring of the
child.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 86 also includes
a lighting device 100 that is configured to transmit light towards
the child seat area 54 to facilitate illuminating the child seat
area 54 and/or a child seated in the child seat area 54. The
monitoring device 2 is operatively coupled to the lighting device
100 to enable a parent to selectively operate the lighting device
to illuminate the child seat area 54.
[0064] The housing 86 also includes a plurality of sensor ports 102
that are each sized and shaped to receive a corresponding sensor
module 64 therein. Each sensor module 64 is removably coupled to
the housing sensor port 102 such that each sensor module 64 may be
removed from the housing 86 and mounted in a location within the
vehicle 52. Each sensor port 102 includes a communication device
(not shown) to couple a corresponding sensor module 64 in
communication with the housing 86 and/or the computing device 90.
In one embodiment, the housing 86 includes a back-up battery power
supply 104 that provides power to the computing device 90 and/or
each sensor module 64 when the computing device 90 and/or the
sensor modules 64 are coupled to the housing 86.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 58 is
configured to detect when a sensor module 64 is connected to a
corresponding housing sensor port 102 and activate the sensor
module 64 to sense a corresponding vehicle operating parameter when
the sensor module 64 is removed from the sensor port 102. This
enables a parent to selectively activate one or more sensor modules
64 to monitor a selected child seat area 54.
[0066] In one embodiment, the housing 86 includes a communications
interface device 106 that is removably coupled to a corresponding
communications port 108. The communications interface device 106
may include a non-transitory computer readable medium having
executable instructions embodied therein that, when executed by a
processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the
methods described herein. The communications interface device 106
is configured to connect with the user communications device 39,
the in-dash display device 32, and/or the vehicle 52 to transmit
the executable instructions when connected to the user
communications device 39, the in-dash display device 32, and/or the
vehicle 52. This enables the user to selectably synchronize the
user communications device 39, the in-dash display device 32,
and/or the vehicle 52 with the monitoring device 2 to enable the
CSSS system 50 to function as described herein.
[0067] In reference to FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the
CSSS system 50 is configured to monitor a plurality of passenger
monitoring zones 110 that are defined within the vehicle 52. Each
passenger monitoring zone 110 includes one or more passenger seat
areas 54. For example, in one embodiment, the vehicle 52 may
include four monitoring zones 110 including a left-middle passenger
zone 112, a right-middle passenger zone 114, a left-rear passenger
zone 116, and a right-rear passenger zone 118. In addition, the
CSSS system 50 includes one or more sensor modules 64 associated
with each passenger monitoring zone 110. For example, in one
embodiment, each zone 110 may include a seat belt connection sensor
22 for monitoring a seat belt connection associated with the
corresponding zone 110 and a temperature sensor 10 for monitoring a
temperature of the corresponding zone 110.
[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the CSSS system 50 is
configured to enable a user to selectively monitor one or more
passenger zones 110 by selectively activating the sensor modules 64
associated with the selected passenger zones 110. During operation,
the CSSS system 50 activates the sensor module 64 associated with
the selected monitoring zones 110 and transmits signals indicative
of the sensed vehicle operating parameters associated with the
selected zones 110 to the user communications device 39 and/or the
in-dash display device 32.
[0069] FIG. 9 is a graphical display 68 of a monitoring interface
200 that is displayed by the CSSS system 50. FIG. 10 is a graphical
display 68 of a configuration interface 202 that is displayed by
CSSS system 50 to enable the user to configure various operational
settings used to operate the CSSS system 50. In the illustrated
embodiment, the processor 58 is programmed to graphically display
the monitoring interface 200 on the user communications device 39
and/or the in-dash display device 32 to enable a parent to monitor
the child seat area 54. The monitoring interface 200 includes a
video display area 204, an entertainment selection area 206, an
operational status area 208, and a system configuration area
210.
[0070] The processor 58 is configured to receive signals indicative
of a user's selection made with the monitoring interface 200. For
example, if the presentation interface includes a touchpad, the
user may indicate a user selection by pressing an object, such as a
finger, onto an area of the monitoring interface 200 associated
with the desired selection. Alternatively, if the presentation
interface device 66 includes a keypad and/or a pointing device,
i.e., a mouse, the user may scroll a pointer, i.e., a cursor, over
the area to be selected and operate the keypad and/or mouse to
select the area to indicate the user selection.
[0071] The video display area 204 is configured to display recorded
images of the child seat area 54 that are received from the
monitoring device 2 to enable a parent to view the child's
condition via the user communications device 39 and/or the in-dash
display device 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring
interface 200 includes a video selector 212 that enables a user to
select the video selector 212 to operate the monitoring device
audio/video recording device 80 to record and transmit images for
display in the video display area 204. In addition, the monitoring
interface 200 includes a two-way communications selector 214 to
enable a user to initiate two-way communication that includes
displaying recorded images from the monitoring device 2 in the
video display area 204, and transmitting recorded images from the
user communications device 39 and/or the in-dash display device 32
to the monitoring device 2 for display to the child.
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the entertainment selection
area 206 includes a menu selection of video and audio content
included in the database 60 for display. More specifically, the
entertainment selection area 206 enables a user to select a movie,
TV show, and/or any recorded content for display to the child via
the monitoring display unit 70.
[0073] The operational status area 208 displays a plurality of
notification images associated with a status of a plurality of
vehicle operational parameters. More specifically, the processor 58
is programmed to receive signals indicative of the vehicle
operational parameters from the sensor modules 64, determine a
status of the sensed vehicle operational parameters, and display a
notification image associated with the determined status on the
monitoring interface 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the
operational status area 208 displays a first indication "R" if the
sensed operational parameter is not within a predefined parameter
and displays a second indication "G" if the sensed operational
parameter is within the predefined parameter. Alternatively,
operational status area 208 may display any suitable notification
image associated with a status of a plurality of vehicle
operational parameters. By displaying the status of the vehicle
operational parameters, the user can quickly receive a visual
indication of the status of each sensed parameter.
[0074] The system configuration area 210 includes a plurality of
system configuration selectors 216 that enable a user to access a
configuration interface 202 (shown in FIG. 10) to selectively
configure the CSSS system 50 monitoring. The system configuration
area 210 also includes a light selector 218 that enables the user
to selectively activate the lighting device 100, and a record
selector 220 that enables the user to selectively operate the
audio/video recording device 80 to record images of the child seat
area 54.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the configuration interface
202 displays a plurality of system configuration selectors 222 that
enable a user to selectively activate a plurality of functions of
the CSSS system 50. In the illustrate embodiment, the configuration
interface 202 includes a user communications device selector 224, a
vehicle selector 226, a sensor configuration selector 228, a zone
settings selector 230, and an alarm settings selector 232. The user
communications selector 224 enables a user to identify the type of
user communications device 39 to be used with the CSSS system 50,
i.e., a device type, a manufacture, and/or an operating software.
The vehicle selector 226 enables the user to identify the make,
model, and year of the vehicle 52 to enable the CSSS system 50 to
configure the ignition sensor 7 and the vehicle safety sensor 9 to
communicate with the selected vehicle. The sensor configuration
selector 228 enables the user to selectively activate the sensor
modules 64. The zone settings selector 230 enables the user to
selectively activate the sensor modules 64 associated with each
passenger zone 110. The alarm settings selector 232 enables the
user to configure the system alarm notifications including
identifying the emergency response system 78.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, during operation of the CSSS
system 50, the processor 58 is programmed to receive signals
indicative of the sensed operating parameters from one or more
sensor modules 64, and transmit the signals indicative of the
associated sensed operating parameters to the user communications
device 39. The processor 58 receives, from the user communications
device 39, signals indicative of a user selection input associated
with one or more sensors modules 64 of the plurality of sensor
modules 64, and selectively activates one or more sensor modules 64
based on the received user selection to operate the monitoring
system 50 to monitor at least one operating parameter. In addition,
the processor 58 is programmed to receive a signal indicative of a
user selection to monitor at least one vehicle passenger zone 110,
and activate the sensor modules 64 associated with the selected
vehicle passenger zone 110. Moreover, the processor 58 is
programmed to display one or more audio/video images received from
the user communications device 39 on the monitoring device 2, and
to transmit signals indicative of recorded audio/video images from
the monitoring device 2 to the user communications device 39 based
on a user selection input. The processor 58 is also programmed to
transmit a notification signal indicative of an alarm situation to
the user communications device 39 based on one or more sensed
operating parameter, and to display the alarm on the monitoring
interface 200.
[0077] The above-described systems and methods overcome at least
some disadvantages of known child monitoring systems by providing a
monitoring system that allows a parent to monitor a child seat area
54 of a vehicle 52 during both day and nighttime driving, and
enables safe allowable interaction with a child seated in the child
seat area. The monitoring system 50 described herein includes a
monitoring device 2 that is connected to a remote user
communications device 39 and/or an in-dash display device 32 to
enable a parent to operate the monitoring device 2 from the remote
device 39 to display selected entertainment content to the child.
In addition, the monitoring device 2 records and transmits images
of the child to the remote user device 39 to allow the parent to
safely monitor the child. By providing a system that enables a
parent to determine the comfort and status of the child at night
without stopping the car and going to the back seat, the CSSS
system 50 provides parents with advanced warnings of any issues
with the child and enable the parents to view such status while
maintaining their primary focus on driving.
[0078] A controller, control system, computing device, or computer,
such as described herein, includes at least one or more processors
or processing units and a system memory. The controller typically
also includes at least some form of computer readable media. By way
of example and not limitation, computer readable media may include
tangible computer storage media. Computer storage media may include
volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media
implemented in any method or technology that enables storage of
information, such as computer readable instructions, data
structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media
typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures,
program modules, or other data.
[0079] Although described in connection with an exemplary
manufacturing system environment, embodiments described herein are
operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose
computing system environments or configurations. The system
environment is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the
scope of use or functionality of any aspect of the subject matter
described herein. Moreover, the system environment should not be
interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any
one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary
operating environment. Examples of well known systems,
environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use
with the embodiments described herein include, but are not limited
to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop
devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set
top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones,
network PCs, minicomputers, tablets, PDAs, smartphones, distributed
computing environments that include any of the above systems or
devices, and the like.
[0080] The order of execution or performance of the operations in
the embodiments described herein is not essential, unless otherwise
specified. That is, the operations described herein may be
performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments
may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed
herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or
performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with,
or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the
embodiments.
[0081] In some embodiments, a processor, as described herein,
includes any programmable system including systems and
microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC),
application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic
circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of
executing the functions described herein. The above examples are
exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the
definition and/or meaning of the term processor.
[0082] In some embodiments, a memory device, as described herein,
includes one or more computer readable media, such as, without
limitation, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random
access memory (SRAM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a
hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash drive, a
compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable device that
enables a processor to store, retrieve, and/or execute instructions
and/or data.
[0083] In some embodiments, a database, as described herein,
includes any collection of data including hierarchical databases,
relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational
databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured
collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system.
The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to
limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term
database. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to
only including, Oracle.RTM. Database, MySQL, IBM.RTM. DB2,
Microsoft.RTM. SQL Server, Sybase.RTM., and PostgreSQL. However,
any database may be used that enable the systems and methods to
operate as described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of
Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered
trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk,
N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation,
Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase,
Dublin, Calif.)
[0084] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Other aspect and features of the present invention can
be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the
appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. It
should also be noted, that the steps and/or functions listed within
the appended claims, notwithstanding the order of which steps
and/or functions are listed therein, are not limited to any
specific order of operation.
[0085] Although specific features of various embodiments of the
invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is
for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the
invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or
claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
* * * * *